The Lycium Family

We have been growing these berries for decades and, while we do feel that many of the claims made about them are overstated and unsubstantiated, they are a wonderful food and medicine source.
They are long branched and slightly 'willowy' shrubs that are great to have around the perimeter of the house yard.
They do require trimming a few times a year, but apart from that they are quite low maintenance. We experience a very hot summer and an occasional frost in winter, which do not deter them at all. Plant in summer and unless the climate is unfair you will have some berries in the next.

Traditional Chinese Medicine holds a strong belief that this fruit can significantly extend life. The root bark, (from L.chinense only, not L.barbarum) as decoction, certainly aids respiratory ailments. We have used it as such.
The dried berries are usually for sale in the health food stores as 'Goji', but that frequently means a combination of L.chinense and L.barbarum and L.fericossimum. You just never know.

For all intents and purposes, regarding the fruit, they seem identical.
Even the much maligned 'African Boxthorn' has highly edible and nutritious fruit that are hard to distinguish from any of the other varieties. Once dried, the resemblance to each other is remarkable.

Our L. barbarum seedlings are only available 'in-season' from November to April.

We have completed 'BRIX' readings on our fresh fruit and can confirm that the fruit is consistently at least 36 on the scale. By way of comparison, Cherries in excellent condition rate at 25.

The consumption of the berries nourishes the body and supports the healing process.
We eat the berries on a daily basis as a general tonic for the kidneys, liver and spleen.